Transportation system

ABSTRACT

A rapid transportation system is provided in which one or more vehicles are suspended from sleds or runners which move in a substantially tubular track supported some distance above the earth along a right of way by cables or the like. The sleds with the vehicles depending therefrom are propelled along the tracks by one or more jet engines. Braking means are provided which move brake shoes carried by the sleds into braking engagement with the inner upper surface of the track. Means are also provided for positioning the jet engines selectively to effect a braking action, or a lifting action. Airfoils serving like purposes are also provided.

United States Patent [1 1 Nov. 27, 1973 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM [76]Inventor: Robert L. Walsh, 3025 Cleveland Ave, N.W., Washington, DC. A

[22] Filed: 0d. 20, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 190,765

[52] US. Cl. 104/89, 104/20, 104/23 FS, 104/93, 104/94, 104/123,104/139, 104/147 [51] Int. Cl. B6lb 3/02, B6lb 7/06, B61b 13/08 [58]Field of Search 104/89, 91, 93, 94, 104/123, 139, 140, 23 F5; 105/2 R, 2A;

[56] References Cited 7 UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,444,823 5/ 1969 Akmentin104/89 3,559,583 2/1971 Chadenson 104/89 3,577,930 5/1971 Rooklyn 104/943,013,751 12/1961 Scott et al. 244/110 B 3,312,429 4/1967 Hull, Jr. eta] 244/113 i it! Primary Examiner-Drayton E. Hofiman Attorney-Robert B.Larson et a1.

[57 ABSTRACT A rapid transportation system is provided in which one ormore vehicles are suspended from sleds or runners which move in asubstantially tubular track supported .some distance above the earthalong a right of way by cables or the like. The sleds with the vehiclesdepending therefrom are propelled along the tracks by one or more jetengines. Braking means are provided which move brake shoes carried bythe sleds into braking engagement with the inner upper surface of thetrack. Means are also provided for positioning the jet enginesselectively to effect a braking action, or a lifting action. Airfoilsserving like purposes are also provided.

15 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures PATENTEUmwzzv 1975 3.774542 SHEEI 01 0F 13mvnmons ROBERT L. WALSH ATTORNEYS WNW? PAILNIEBHSYN 15:3

SHEET 09 0F PAIENIEnmmms 3.7M542 saw 120? 13 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Thisinvention relates to a transportation system particularly suitable forfast transportation between large urban centers. The system incorporatesthe use of tubular tracks suspended from cables strung along and somedistance above the right of way. The tracks have a longitudinal slot ontheir under side. Lightweight vehicles are suspended from sleds orrunners which slide within the tubular tracks, the vehicle supportsconnecting the sleds and the vehicles extending through the longitudinalslots. The vehicles, which may be one in number, but preferably areseveral with a locomotive either pulling or pushing, or both, are movedalong the tracks by jet engines disposed advantageously on the vehiclesas will be described. The invention envisions the use of airfoils toprovide a lititng force to facilitate the sliding of the sleds withinthe tracks, and also for braking purposes. A brake arrangement is alsoprovided which employes brake shoes mounted on one or more of the sledsand adapted by hydraulic or other means to be forced upwardly againstthe upper surfaces of the tubular tracks.

Various types of rapid transportation systems have been proposedheretofore to supplant the heavy cumbersome railroads. For the most partthe proposals made are still dependent on some type of a ground trackbut with some means, pneumatic or magnetic, to reduce the friction.Also, certain types of suspended monorail systems have been proposed,but these, because of their design, and for safety reasons, are notcapable of very high speeds.

The novel system according to the present invention is neither anairborne system or a ground track system, but employs features of bothand other features as well, combining and incorporating them in a uniquemanner. Thus, the invention is not like an airplane though it embodiesfeatures of an airplane such as one or more jets for propulsion and oneor more airfoils for lift and braking. It is not in the nature of arailroad train, though it employs railroad type, but very lightweightvehicle, and though it employs a track it is not a track in the railroadsense but a tubular track suspended well above the ground and from whichthe cars arethemselves suspended and controlled. Because of its specialdesign, the system is capable of operating at very great speeds withsafety.

The inventive concept includes the use of a very lightweight vehicle,somewhat similar in outline to a modern railroad car but withoutundercarriage, and constructed, for example, of plastic panels supportedby a lightweight aluminum frame or structure. Basic to the invention isthe concept that the vehicle is hung from sleds, slides or runnerelements, which slide within a plurality of overhanging tubular tracks.The number of tracks employed should be sufficient for safety butpreferably each track should be capable of supporting not only its partof the load, but the whole load if others fail for any reason. Thepropulsion, as indicated, is by jet engines. Where a plurality ofvehicle cars made up the train, the jet engines are mounted on alocomotive" which pulls the train or on a locomotive" at the rear whichpushes the train, or both. Where only one car is employed as for a shortrun, one jet engine mounted on the car may suffice.

comprises a hollow cylindrical-shaped sled adapted to slidelongitudinally in a cylindrical pipe track having a slot in the bottomthereof to permit free movement of the member holding the vehicle to thesled. The cylindrical track is visualized as being about or 12 inches,or even more, in diameter and the sled fitted for sliding movementwithin the track would be about 3 to 5 feet in length. Friction on thetracks or sleds can be overcome by various means such as by the use offrictionless materials, or by spraying lubricant on the tracks from thesleds, or by having lubricants or corresponding materials incorporatedin the tracks, or both. The sleds, if desired, may be fitted in variousways with wheels or rollers as an extra precaution against friction. Butbasic to the invention is the sliding motion of the sleds, and theincorporation of wheels and rollers in the sled, if employed, is only toaugment this principle, the

' inclusion of wheels and rollers in the sleds makes provi- The sleds orslides and conforming tracks may be of several different designs, one ofwhich for example,

sion for operation under any unusual conditions which might arise. Thefunction of the sleds is to support and guide the vehicles.

One advantage of the feature of employing sleds and overhanging tracksis that the sleds can be readily accommodated to the track in such a wayas to avoid what is commonly termed jumping the track. This contributesto making the use of a lightweight vehicle possible and provides greaterleeway in achieving higher speeds.

The tubular tracks are hung from cables which in turn are supported bytrusses carried by supporting columns all of which are designed to carrythe prescribed loads. The tracks themselves could be attached to thetrusses and support themselves and the load but for the most part, theusr ggf cables for supporting the tracks appears to be the moresatisfactory particularly since as it permits the spacing between thetrusses to be much longer.

The tubular tracks are tied to the cables through collars disposedaround the tracks, and these collars are spaced along the cables towhich they are attached by .tie rods. The collars fitted to the tracksand attached from the cables take the load of the track as well as theload on the track and consequently the collars and the rods holding themhave to be strong. Crossbracing, possibly by light metal members may beemployed for rigidity.

A main braking system is incorporated in certain or all of the sleds.Brake shoes faced with brake lining are adapted to move up and down inguides in brake boxes fixed to the sleds and the brake shoes arecontrolled by a regular air brake control system, by a hydraulic controlsystem or by a solenoid control system. The inner top surface of thetubular track which constitutes a braking surface is not lubricated.

At the turns, the tubular tracks will have a greater inside width toaccommodate the rigid sled making the turn. When climbing or descending,corresponding accommodation will have to be provided for by increasingthe inside height of the track. Under certain circumstances it might bedesirable to use two or more sleds of shorter length, in tandem, insteadof one longer sled.

Preferably each individual vehicle should be supported by two supportsnear front and rear, and this limits the length of the vehicle to thatwhich can be so supported. The difficulty otherwise is to accommodateintermediary supports to the track when the vehicle is turning orchanging levels. Where the several vehicles join each other, designfeatures must include adjustment for changing levels, for turning, andfor the coupling to transfer the train movement fore and aft but this isfor the most part within the skill of the art. Because of thecomparative lightness of the vehicles it may be possible to have aspecial and unique design for the coupling.

It is visualized that the vehicles, in accordance with the invention,will normally have a clearance in the air of at least 50 feet, or more,above obstacles, and therefore be well above other forms of surfacetransport. The terminals could be near, or in, the centers of thecities. There is now a great interest in fast passenger transportbetween urban centers such as along the Eastern seaboard, as betweenWashington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, Hartford, Providenceand Boston, and the system provided by the invention is believed to beparticularly adapted to such traffic. It appears that speeds of 200 or300 miles an hour or more are attainable. Weather would not be the sameobstacle to this form of transport that it sometimes is to surfacetransport and to air transport. The clearance above ground is a factorin this respect and a big advantage where snow accumulates.

The use of the jet engine with its powerful thrust is an importantconsideration. It permits greater speeds to be attained, a greater rateof climb when ascending grades, and, with reverse thrust, it can act asa brake when descending a grade or at any time to reduce forward speed.This makes possible more direct routes through mountainous or hillyterrain where steeper grades may be involved. Consequently, terrain isnot the barrier or difficult problem to this form of transport that itcan be to most other forms of surface transport. Rivers can be crossedby cables supported bank to bank, and narrow valleys likewise spanned.

In accordance with one feature of the invention variable and retractableairfoils are hung underneath the vehicles. At high speeds, theseairfoils give lift and thereby reduce the weight of the vehicles on thetracks. By changing their positions relative to the air stream, theseairfoils may serve as brakes to reduce speed.

The many advantages of the invention will become more important from thefollowing description and accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Preferred embodiments of the invention aredescribed in the following detailed description including the drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transportation system embodying a formof the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of such a system employing a plurality oftracks.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a cable supported track spanning avalley.

FIG. 4 is a transverse partial section showing the tracks and cablesupports therefor.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view showing the manner of supporting oneof the vehicles from the cable supported track.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective of one form of sled and vehiclesupport arrangement.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a sled as disposed within thetrack and also a form of braking arrangement.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the elements comprisingsaid braking arrangement.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of another sled arrangement andassociated parts.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged transverse section through the assembledstructure of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view partly in horizontal section showing onemanner of mounting the jet engines.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation, partially in section and partially brokenaway, showing a jet engine-tumtable arrangement in accordance with oneform of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the arrangement of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a detail of a similar arrangement showing a jet engine tiltedfor boosting the vehicles when travelling on a substantial upgrade.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a collar element for supporting atubular track.

FIG. 16 is a transverse section of the collar element if FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a transverse section through an embodi mentincorporating'means for substantially enclosing the jet engines in tubescarried by the track supporting structure.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one of the jet enclosing tubes showingin dotted lines the baffles for receiving part of the jet thrusts. I

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a simplified arrangement of theinvention adapted for relatively short runs, and

FIG. 20 is a front view of the arrangement of FIG. 19.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As illustrated in FIG. 1, atrack system is provided which generally is comprised of a plurality oftrack members. Four of such track members are shown in FIG. 1. Theyconsist, as will be described, of hollow tubular members, generallycylindrical in .shape, and extending along the right of way. The trackmembers 10 are supported a suitable distance above the right of way bycables 1 l which are strung along the right of way between transversebridging members 12 supported at each end by upright tower structures13. As shown in FIG. 2 such briding members 12 with their supportingtower structures 13 are positioned at suitable intervals along the rightof way. Also as shown in FIG. 2, the track members 10 are supported fromthe cables 11 by rods 14 joined to collars 15 which partially surroundthe track members 10 as will be more particularly described. As shown inFIG. 2, cross bracing rods 16 may be provided to assist in maintainingthe track members 10 in properly spaced parallel relationship.

FIG. 3 illustrates the manner in which the track system can span aravine and also negotiate a marked difference in levels. Here the trackmembers 10 supported by their cables 1 I, extend between briding members12 with their upright tower structure 13 on each side of the ravine.Because of the length of the span, however, additional support isrequired and this is provided by pairs of tall tower structures 17 eachwith a transverse bridging member 18 (only one end of each is shown inFIG. 3). Stretched between the tall tower structures across the ravineare supporting cables 19 anchored in the ground at each end as at 20.Depending from the cables 19 are supporting rods 21 which'are joined attheir lower ends to the track supporting cables 11.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, each vehicle 22 is suspendedfrom the track members by supports 23 secured to the vehicle 22 at theirlower ends and secured at their upper ends to specially formed sleds orrunners 24 (FIGS. 4 and 5). The tubular track members 10 are generallycylindrical and are provided with a longitudinal slot 25 on theirunderside. The sleds or runners 24 have a lower surface conforming tothe inner lower surface of the track members 10 except for the dependingsupports 23, which, as shown, extend through the longitudinal slot 25.

The slides or runners 24 are adapted to slide longitudinally within thetrack members as they support the vehicles 22.

Movement of the vehicles 22 along the right of way is accomplished bymeans of jet engines 26, which may preferably be disposed on a lead orlocomotive vehicle 27 as shown in FIG. 1.

Before describing further the means for propelling the vehicles 22, itwill be well to describe more particularly the track suspension system.With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4 the transverse bridging members 12 mayeach by comprised of a pair of spaced I-beams 28 and 29. Each cable 11is supported by these beams 28 and 29 by means of solid cylindricalmembers 30 which are secured by welding to the upper surfaces of theI-beams 28, 29 (FIG. 2), and by endless steel bands 31 which (FIG. 4)extend over the cylindrical members, downwardly between the I-beams andaround the cables 11. This particular manner of support has advantages,but other means may also be employed.

The arrangement by which the vehicles 22 are supported from the runnersor sleds 24 disposed to slide in the cylindrical track members 10 asshown generally in FIGS. 4 and 5 is disclosed in some detail in FIGS. 6and 7. From FIG. 6 which is a partial perspective view, the runner orsled member 24 is in the form of a solid metal cylinder, the uppertwo-thirds of which has been removed and the lowermost part of which isprovided with a longitudinally extending groove 32. Extending downwardlyfrom the groove (but spaced from each end thereof) is a plate 33 whichis integral with the sled member 24 and is a part of the supportingstructure generally referred to by the numeral 23.

From FIG. 7 it will be seen that the edges 34 and 35 of the tubulartrack member 10 adjacent the longitudinal slot 25 are turned inwardly atan angle generally complimentary to the groove 32 of the sled 24. Thesled in cross section (FIG. 7) conforms in shape and size to the lowerpart of the track member 24 with the plate 33 extending downwardlythrough the longitudi-' nal slot 25. Where desired, roller bearings 36may be employed to ease possible friction between the in turned edges ofthe track and the wall of the groove 32 ble to the sled as it with thebrake structure slides longitudinally in the track member as the vehiclemoves along.

To provide for a limited swinging movement, the plate 33 (see FIG. 6) ishinged as at 41 to another plate 42 which is disposed in a U-shapedbifurcated portion 43 of a support member 44 rigidly secured to thevehicle 22. The plate 42 disposed in the U-shaped portion 43 ispivotably mounted by means of a pivot pin 45 about which it may tilt oneway or the other to provide for a limited tilting movement between therunner 24 and the vehicle 22.

It has been indicated with respect to FIG. 7 that the sled 24 has abrake structure 37 mounted thereon having a brake shoe 38 adapted tobear against the inner upper surface of the cylindrical tubular trackmember 10 when the brake is applied. Reference is now had to FIGS. 8 and9 which disclose the brake structure with more particularity.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the lower portion of which shows abox-like structure 46 open at the front and rear except for the crossbracing 47. This box-like structure is welded to the upper surface ofthe sled 24 (FIG. 7) and, as indicated, triangular butresses 39, 40, maybe provided at both ends to insure that box-like structure 46 and thesled 24 are in fact an inseparable entity. The inner side walls of thebox-like structure are provided with T-shaped tongues 48.

The upper part of FIG. 8 shows the brake shoe structure 38 which is alsobox-like in shape with a brakeshoe upper portion conforming to the innerupper surface of the tubular track 10 against which it is adapted tobear when the brake is applied. The outer walls of the brake shoestructure 38 are provided with groove members 49 complimentary inposition and shape to the T-shaped tongue members-48 on the bottomportion. When the upper portion is disposed within the lower portionwith the tongues 48 in the grooves 49 it will be seen that a guidingmeans is provided permitting upward movement of the brake shoe portionwhen the brake is actuated.

Actuation of the brake is effected by any suitable means such as bysolenoid cylinders diagramatically shown in the lower. part of FIG. 8where they are indicated by the reference numeral 50.

A modified form of sled, vehicle suspension and brake shoe arrangementis disclosed in FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is aperspective exploded viewwhile FIG. 10 is a transverse section taken throughthe assembledstructure disposed within the tracks. In these figures the sled 24'generally of the same configuration as the sled 24 in FIGS. 6, 7 isprovided with transverse axles 51 on which support wheels 52 and 53 aremounted. The sled 24 is disposed within a two part casing consisting ofan upper casing section 54 and a lower casing section 55. The uppercasing section 54 is provided with a rectangular opening 56 throughwhich the upper portion of the brake shoe structure 38 extends when thestructure is assembled as shown in FIG. Ill). The lower casing section55 is shaped to conform to the lower surface of the sled 24 but haspairs of slot openings 57 for the wheels 52, 53, and a pair of centrallyslot openings 58 disposed in tandem, through which the plates 33, whichare rigid with the sleds, extend.

The upper and lower casings 54 and 55 are the bearing surfaces withinthe track. It will be appreciated that these casings may be constitutedof frictionless materials, that is, materials which slide easily againstmetal or other surfaces. It will also be appreciated that thearrangement disclosed permits easy replacement of either or both of thecasings if and when wear becomes a problem.

As was the case in connection with the arrangement disclosed in FIGS. 6and 7 the plates 33 rigid with the sleds 24' are hinged as at 41 to theplates 42 which in turn are disposed in U-shaped bifurcated members 43and pivotally mounted as at 45 so as to permit the bifurcated members 43rigid with the vehicles 22 to tilt one way or the other about thepivotal mounting.

In FIG. the braking and non-braking positions of the brake shoe areillustrated respectively by full and dotted lines. The movement of thebrake shoe between such positions being controlled by an actuator whichconveniently can be an electric solenoid having a cylindrical housing 59and an actuator rod 60 the upper end of which is rigid with the brakeshoe 38 and the lower part of which is movable within the housing tomove the actuator rod 60 to either the full line position or the dottedline position. In this arrangement it will be noted that the wheels 52,53 ride on the track 10 (see FIG. 10) and thus facilitate movement ofthe sled 22 within the track.

As indicated in connection with FIG. 8, the box-like brake structure 38is open at the front and rear so as to offer as little resistance aspossible to the forward movement of the sled within the track. However,if so desired, the front end of said box-like brake structure may beprovided with vertically hinged louvres (not shown) which, by suitablemeans, (such as by a solenoid) may be closed when desired to close thefront end and offer a braking resistance to forward movement. Theprovision of a suitable louvre structure for such a purpose is wellwithin the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art.

As already indicated the vehicles, whether there are many groupedtogether constituting a train, or but a single one, are powered by oneor more jet engines. In FIG. 1 a train is shown and the lead vehicle 27serves as a locomotive. In such instance the jet engines 26, there beingtwo on each side, are partiallyrecessed within the outer wall surfacesof the vehicle, the recesses being indicated by the reference numerals61. (See also FIG. 11).

In some instances it is desirable to provide means whereby the jets mayserve to slow down or brake the vehicle. One such means is illustratedin FIG. 11 as comprising cup-like members 62 adapted to be pivoted intoand out of operative position by linkage means 63 actuated by a rod 64movable by a solenoid 65 or some other suitable means such as hydraulicmeans. In operative braking position, as shown, the cup-like portions ofthe members are positioned to receive and to some extent reverse thethrust of the jets. In non-operative position they are swung back insideof the vehicle by means of the linkage 63.

Another form of braking may also be employed. One or more jet enginesmay be mounted on a vehicle in such a manner as to be capable of beingmoved into position where their thrust is opposite to that employed fornormal propulsion. One such arrangement is disclosed in FIGS. 12 and 13.In that arrangement jet engines 26 are fixed to the underside of aturntable 66 underneath the vehicle. The turntable may be turned 180 andthese engines 26, when their thrust is pointed forward, will serve toreduce speed, to facilitate control when discending steep grades, or toback the train. Also, it is evident that in their normal position withthe thrust of the engines pointing rearwardly, they will augment the jetengines on the locomotive in propelling the train, especially whenascending steep grades.

The turntable arrangement may consist of a circular ring 67 which isfitted into a circular raceway 68 fixed to a platform 69 connected tothe vehicle structure. Across the turntable ring and rigid therewith,are two beams 70 and 71 to which supporting frames 72 are fixed. The jetengines 26 are suspended from an engine bed 73 which is pivotallymounted on a transverse pivot 74 carried by the supporting frames 72.The engine bed 73 may be tilted about its pivot 74 so as to vary the jetstream from the level. Tilting of the engine bed 73 is effected throughfour struts 75 that depend from the turntable 67. These struts 75 arehingedly connected to the turntable 67 and the engine bed 73 and may beselectively raised or lowered by suitable means, such as piston andcylinder 76, to tilt the engines. One such tilted position is shown inFIG. 14.

The variation of the line of thrust by tilting the engine bed 73 so thatengines thrust downwardly and rearwardly will also assist lightening thevehicle load on the sleds 24 and when descending and the engines areopposite in direction, a braking effect is provided by partiallysupporting the vehicle.

As a side benefit, when installed on the front or rear of a vehicle ortrain, the thrust may be pointed upward to remove snow or ice from theoutside of the tracks and from the cables.

The jet engines shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are serviced and controlledthrough connections from the center of the turntable directly to theengine bed. If desired, and as shown, the whole assembly can beretracted into the center section of the vehicle by raising or loweringthe platfonn to which the circular raceway is fixed. As shown in FIG.12, this can be effected by suitable elevating means such as thehydraulic means 77 more or less diagramatically indicated.

In accordance with one feature of the invention the vehicles may beprovided on their undersides with adjustable airfoils. FIG. 5 disclosessuch an arrangement. The basic function of the airfoils is to lightenthe load on the sleds 24 and thus permit the vehicle or train ofvehicles to go faster, or to permit heavier loads to be carried, or tomake possible greater distance between some of the cable supportingtowers 13. As shown in FIG. 5 the airfoils 78 and 79 are located underthe vehicle supports or under those vertical structural members in linewith the vehicle suspensions and therefore in line with the sleds 24,thus making the lift direct to the sleds 24. The lift comes to thevehicle supports 23 through struts 80 attached to the airfoils. Thesestruts 80 position the airfoils and operate, for example, through wormgearing in a cylinder 81 as diagramatically illustrated.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are enlarged views of the collars 15 which substantiallysurround the tracks 10 at suitable intervals (FIGS. 1, 2 and 5) andsupport the track from the cables 1 l by means of the rods 14. As seenin FIGS. 15 and 16, the collars 15 are provided with ears 82 each havinga hole 83 therethrough to permit the rods 14 and 16 to be securedthereto. Conveniently the rods 14 and 16 (FIG. 16) have bifurcated ends84 so as to straddle the ears 82 so that aligned holes in the bifurcatedends can be aligned with the holes 83 in the ears 82 as to permitsecuring bolts 85 to be passed therethrough.

A modified form of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. Inmost respects the vehicle supporting structure and arrangement and themanner in which the sleds move in the tracks 10 is like that alreadydiscussed. The principal difference in the embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18is that the jet engines 26 for propelling the vehicle are mounted on thetop of the vehicle 22 and are, themselves substantially enclosed inlarge tubes 86 extending along the right of way and supported by thecables 1 1. In FIG. 17 the three jet engines 26 are supported on thevehicle 22 by brackets 87. The large tubes 86, which substantiallyenclose the jet engines 26 are secured to the supports 12 by the rods88.

The large tubes 86 have their interiors provided with baffle surfaces 89at intervals and those surfaces face forwardly so as to receive thethrust of the jet engines 26.

The adaptability of the system to relatively short distancetransportation such as between the center of a city and airport on theoutskirts or some miles therefrom is evident. A simplified form of theinvention for such purposes is illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20. Here itmay be possible to employ a single vehicle 22 powered by a single jetengine 26 mouned on top and to provide airfoils 78 and 79 for assistingthe lift and for assisting in the braking in the same manner as thoseillustrated in FIG. and previously described.

If a two-way line is envisioned it can, for example, extend above themedian stripof an existing dual highway, with uprights 90 disposed atintervals along the median, which uprights, support cross beams 12 whichin turn support the cables 11 and tracks as shown in FIG. 20, thesupporting structure thus being but a simplified version of that alreadydescribed in connection with FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5.

The invention has been described herein as related primarily topassenger transportation, but it may have other valuable applications.

If in the interior of Alaska or some other vast area there is a mineral,such as uranium, or something else of great value, to be transported,and if the terrain or other circumstances are such that construction ofother means of access would be too difficult or too costly, and if thedistance from source to processing or transfer point would make othermeans of transport uneconomical, then the means of transport proposedherein could be an economical and practical answer to a transportproblem.

Comparatively, this proposed system of transport might not be toodifficult or too costly to install, espe cially in rugged country whereit would go direct from ridge to ridge or direct from a high point on aridge to a much lower point and vice versa. These suspensions would bewithout intermediary ground supports and would be for several miles.Initially, wire would be strung from point to point by helicopter; thenafter several corresponding intermediary steps the regular cable towhich the track is to be fixed would be pulled through. Constructionwould therefore be accomplished point-to-point by air without the needto go step by step on the ground.

Ore cars adapted from the vehicle would operate singly and would havethe jet engines underneath to augment the lift. In this type ofoperation speed is not essential, but sufficient speed should beattained to receive the greatest benefit from the airfoils.

Other possible uses and advantages of the invention will now suggestthemselves. The invention is not to be limited except as set out in theaccompanying claims.

I claim:

1. A transportation system comprising a track comprised of at least onegenerally tubular member having a longitudinal slot in the undersidewhich slot extends the length of the track, meansfor supporting thetrack a suitable distance above the earth's surface, at least onevehicle, at least one slidable sled member disposed within said trackfor longitudinal sliding movement within said track, said sled memberhaving a vehicle support member depending therefrom through saidlongitudinal slot, means for joining said vehicle support member to saidvehicle, and jet propulsion means sup ported by said vehicle for movingthe vehicle along the track as it is suspended from said sled member,said sled member having a lower surface conforming substantially to thelower inner surface of the track adjacent said slot and an upper surfaceterminating a distance from the upper inner surface of said track, andbrake means supported by said sled member and having a brake surfaceadapted to be moved into braking engagement against the inner uppersurface of the track, and means for actuating said brake means.

2. A transportation system as defined in claim 1, said track comprisingat least two parallel spaced tubular members, and each vehicle beingsupported by at least two of said sled members spaced longitudinallyfrom each other in the direction of travel, there being two of said sledmembers per vehicle for each of said spaced tubular members.

3. A transportation system as defined in claim 1, there being aplurality of such vehicles and said jet propulsion means being supportedby the lead vehicle.

4. Atransportation system as defined in claim 1, said vehicle having atleast one airfoil mounted on the underside thereof, said airfoil havinga portion movable into a braking position, and means for moving saidportion into positions ranging from braking position to positions wherethe airfoil will provide a lifting action on the vehicle to reduce thefriction of sled in the track.

5. A transportation system as defined in claim 1, and means for raisingand lowering said airfoil to position the same for a desired effect.

6. A transportation system comprising, a track comprised of at least onegenerally tubular member having a longitudinal slot in the undersidewhich slot extends the length of the track, means for supporting thetrack a suitable distance above the earth's surface, at least onevehicle, at least one slidable sled member disposed within said trackfor longitudinal sliding movement within said track, said sled memberhaving a vehicle support .member depending therefrom through saidlongitudinal slot, means for joining said vehicle support member to saidvehicle, and jet propulsion means sup ported by said vehicle for movingthe vehicle along the track as it is suspended from said sled member,the support for the jet propulsion means comprising a tumtable fromwhich the jet means is suspended, and means for tilting the jet meanswith respect to the turntable, means for rotating the turntableselectively to position the jet means for rearward or forward thrust,and means for selectively tilting the jet means to various selectedangles.

7. A transportation system as defined in claim 6, and elevator means forraising and lowering said turntable and jet means between operativepositions and a position in which it is stored.

8. In an overhead transportation system having a tubular overheadsupported track provided with a longitudinal slot in the underside ofthe track and extending the length of the track; vehicle support meansfor supporting a vehicle as it is moved along said track, said meanscomprising elongated sled members disposed within said track and havinglower side walls conforming to the inner lower side walls of said trackon each side of said slot and providing a sliding contact betwen saidwalls of said sleds and said walls of said track, a plate secured to theunderside of each sled and extending downwardly through said slot, andmeans for joining said plates to a vehicle, the upper surface of saidsleds terminating a distance from the upper inner surface of said track,and brake means supported by said sleds and each having a brake surfaceadapted to be moved into braking engagement against the inner uppersurface of the track, and means for actuating said brake means.

9. A transportation system comprising, a track comprised of at least onegenerally tubular member having a longitudinal slot in the undersidewhich slot extends the length of the track, means for supporting thetrack a suitable distance above the earth's surface, at least onevehicle, at least one elongated slidable sled member disposed withinsaid track for longitudinal sliding movement within said track, meansdepending from said sled member and extending therefrom through saidlongitudinal slot and joined to said vehicle, and jet propulsion meanssupported by said vehicle for moving the vehicle along the track as itis suspended from said sled member, said sled member having a lowersurface conforming substantially to the lower inner surfaces of thetrack adjacent said slot and in contact with said surfaces.

10. A transportation system as defined in claim 9, said vehicle having afront rounded nose with recesses in each side thereof, said jetpropulsion means compn'sing pairs of cigar-shaped jet engines disposedat least partially in said recesses whereby the jet thrusts are directedrearwardly along the sides of the vehicle.

11. A transportation system as defined in claim 9, said vehicle having afront rounded nose with recesses in each side thereof, said jetpropulsion means comprising pairs of cigar-shaped jet engines disposedat least partially in said recesses whereby the jet thrusts are directedrearwardly along the sides of the vehicle, and cup-shaped membersadpated to move into position to intercept the jet thrust and effect abraking action, and linkage means within the vehicle for moving saidcuplike members into and out of the braking positions thereof.

12. In a transportation system in accordance with claim 9, the trackwalls directly adjacent said slot being turned inwardly at an angle andthe bottom surface of the sleds having a longitudinal groove therein thewalls of which are at an angle complimentary to the angle of saidintumed edges.

13. In a transportation system in accordance with claim 9, the trackwalls directly adjacent said slot being turned inwardly at an angle andthe bottom surface of the sleds having a longitudinal groove therein thewalls of which are at an angle complimentary to the angle of saidintumed edges, and bearings carried by said sleds and positioned tolessen friction between said complimentary walls.

14. In a transportation system in accordance with claim 9, the trackwalls directly adjacent said slot being turned inwardly at an angle andthe bottom surface of the sleds having a longitudinal groove therein thewalls of which are at an angle complimentary to the angle of saidintumed edges, the inner surface of the track directly adjacent saidinwardly turned walls being flat, and the portions of said sledsdirectly adjacent the walls of said groove being correspondingly flat,and vertically positioned bearing wheels mounted on transverse axes onsaid sleds and extending through slots in said sleds, and riding on saidflat portions of said track.

15. A transportation system comprising, a track comprised of at leastone generally tubular member having a longitudinal slot in the undersidewhich slot extends the length of the track, means for supporting thetrack a suitable distance above the earths surface, vehicle supportmeans for supporting a vehicle as it is moved along said track, saidmeans comprising elongated sled members disposed within said track andhaving lower side walls conforming to the inner lower side walls of saidtrack on each side of said slot and providing a sliding contact betweensaid side walls of said sleds and said walls of said track, a platesecured to the underside of each sled and extending downwardly throughsaid slot, a second plate joined to each first plate by a piano hinge, aplurality of plates each substantially equal in length to said secondplates, the upper portion of each of said plurality of plates beingbifurcated to receive said second plates therebetween, and a transversepivot passing through said bifurcated portion of said second plates withthe lower edge of said second plates being disposed a distance spacedfrom the crotch of said bifurcated portions, whereby said piano hingeand said transverse pivot provide two directional universal jointsbetween the sled and vehicle.

I II! t I!

1. A transportation system comprising a track comprised of at least onegenerally tubular member having a longitudinal slot in the undersidewhich slot extends the length of the track, means for supporting thetrack a suitable distance above the earth''s surface, at least onevehicle, at least one slidable sled member disposed within said trackfor longitudinal sliding movement within said track, said sled memberhaving a vehicle support member depending therefrom through saidlongitudinal slot, means for joining said vehicle support member to saidvehicle, and jet propulsion means supported by said vehicle for movingthe vehicle along the track as it is suspended from said sled member,said sled member having a lower surface conforming substantially to thelower inner surface of the track adjacent said slot and an upper surfaceterminating a distance from the upper inner surface of said track, andbrake means supported by said sled member and having a brake surfaceadapted to be moved into braking engagement against the inner uppersurface of the track, and means for actuating said brake means.
 2. Atransportation system as defined in claim 1, said track comprising atleast two parallel spaced tubular members, and each vehicle beingsupported by at least two of said sled members spaced longitudinallyfrom each other in the direction of travel, there being two of said sledmembers per vehicle for each of said spaced tubular members.
 3. Atransportation system as defined in claim 1, there being a plurality ofsuch vehicles and said jet propulsion means being supported by the leadvehicle.
 4. A transportation system as defined in claim 1, said vehiclehaving at least one airfoil mounted on the underside thereof, saidairfoil having a portion movable into a braking position, and means formoving said portion into positions ranging from braking position topositions where the airfoil will provide a lifting action on the vehicleto reduce the friction of sled in the track.
 5. A transportation systemas defined in claim 1, and means for raising and lowering said airfoilto position the same for a desired effect.
 6. A transportation systemcomprising, a track comprised of at least one generally tubular memberhaving a longitudinal slot in the underside which slot extends thelength of the track, means for supporting the track a suitable distanceabove the earth''s surface, at least one vehicle, at least one slidablesled member disposed within said track for longitudinal sliding movementwithin said track, said sled member having a vehicle support memberdepending therefrom through said longitudinal slot, means for joiningsaid vehicle support member to said vehicle, and jet propulsion meanssupported by said vehicle for moving the vehicle along the track as itis suspended from said sled member, the support for the jet propulsionmeans comprising a turntable from which the jet means is suspended, andmeans for tilting the jet means with respect to the turntable, means forrotating the turntable selectively to position the jet means forrearward or forward thrust, and means for selectively tilting the jetmeans to various selected angles.
 7. A transportation system as definedin claim 6, and elevator means for raising and lowering said turntableand jet means between operative positions and a position in which it isstored.
 8. In an overhead transportation system having a tubularoverhead supported track provided with a longitudinal slot in theunderside of the track and extending the length of the track; vehiclesupport means for supporting a vehicle as it is moved along said track,said means comprising elongated sled members disposed within said trackand having lower side walls conforming to the inner lower side walls ofsaid track on each side of said slot and providing a sliding contactbetwen said walls of said sleds and said walls of said track, a platesecured to the underside of each sled and extending downwardly throughsaid slot, and means for joining said plates to a vehicle, the uppersurface of said sleds terminating a distance from the upper innersurface of said track, and brake means supported by said sleds and eachhaving a brake surface adapted to be moved into braking engagementagainst the inner upper surface of the track, and means for actuatingsaid brake means.
 9. A transportation system comprising, a trackcomprised of at least one generally tubular member having a longitudinalslot in the underside which slot extends the length of the track, meansfor supporting the track a suitable distance above the earth''s surface,at least one vehicle, at least one elongated slidable sled memberdisposed within said track for longitudinal sliding movement within saidtrack, means depending from said sled member and extending therefromthrough said longitudinal slot and joined to said vehicle, and jetpropulsion means supported by said vehicle for moving the vehicle alongthe track as it is suspended from said sled member, said sled memberhaving a lower surface conforming substantially to the lower innersurfaces of the track adjacent said slot and in contact with saidsurfaces.
 10. A transportation system as defined in claim 9, saidvehicle having a front rounded nose with recesses in each side thereof,said jet propulsion means comprising pairs of cigar-shaped jet enginesdisposed at least partially in said recesses whereby the jet thrusts aredirected rearwardly along the sides of the vehicle.
 11. A transportationsystem as defined in claim 9, said vehicle having a front rounded nosewith recesses in each side thereof, said jet propulsion means comprisingpairs of cigar-shaped jet engines disposed at least partially in saidrecesses whereby the jet thrusts are directed rearwardly along the sidesof the vehicle, and cup-shaped members adpated to move into position tointercept the jet thrust and effect a braking action, and linkage meanswithin the vehicle for moving said cup-like members into and out of thebraking positions thereof.
 12. In a transportation system in accordancewith claim 9, the track walls directly adjacent said slot being turnedinwardly at an angle and the bottom surface of the sleds having alongitudinal groove therein the walls of which are at an anglecomplimentary to the angle of said inturned edges.
 13. In atransportation system in accordance with claim 9, the track wallsdirectly adjacent said slot being turned inwardly at an angle and thebottom surface of the sleds having a longitudinal groove therein thewalls of which are at an angle complimentary to the angle of saidinturned edges, and bearings carried by said sleds and positioned tolessen friction between said complimentary walls.
 14. In atransportation system in accordance with claim 9, the track wallsdirectly adjacent said slot being turned inwardly at an angle and thebottom surface of the sleds having a longitudinal groove therein thewalls of which are at an angle complimentary to the angle of saidinturned edges, the inner surface of the track directly adjacent saidinwardly turned walls being flat, and the portions of said sledsdirectly adjacent the walls of said groove being correspondingly flat,and vertically positioned bearing wheels mounted on transverse axes onsaid sleds and extending through slots in said sleds, and riding on saidflat portions of said track.
 15. A transportation system comprising, atrack comprised of at least one generally tubular member having alongitudinal slot in the underside which slot extends the length of thetrack, means for supporting the track a suitable distance above theearth''s surface, vehicle support means for supporting a vehicle as itis moved along said track, said means comprising elongated sled membersdisposed within said track and having lower side walls conforming to theinner lower side walls of said track on each side of said slot andproviding a sliding contact between said side walls of said sleds andsaid walls of said track, a plate secured to the underside of each sledand extending downwardly through said slot, a second plate joined toeach first plate by a piano hinge, a plurality of plates eachsubstantially equal in length to said second plates, the upper portionof each of said plurality of plates being bifurcated to receive saidsecond plates therebetween, and a transverse pivot passing through saidbifurcated portion of said second plates with the lower edge of saidsecond plates being disposed a distance spaced from the crotch of saidbifurcated portions, whereby said piano hinge and said transverse pivotprovide two directional universal joints between the sled and vehicle.